6 Things That Make Your Psoriasis Worse

If you have psoriasis, you know just how frustrating the condition can be. Red, raised patches of skin or painful lesions can appear—or worsen—at a moment's notice, and flares can sometimes last for months.

"People with psoriasis have an immune system that's not following the rules," says Delphine Lee, MD, PhD, director of the Dermatological Center for Skin Health at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. That unpredictability makes the skin disorder a challenge for patients and doctors alike. (Check out these 9 foods that can help boost your immunity.)

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To further complicate matters, everyone has different triggers that can send their psoriasis into a tailspin. That said, here are six of the most common ones. Your skin will thank you for steering clear of them.

Stress

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When you feel like you're at the end of your rope, your body signals your immune cells to "fight or take flight." Inflammation starts up to attack foreign invaders or mop up an infection, even if neither exist. People with psoriasis already have overactive immune systems, so add stress to the mix and suddenly you have a flare-up. "There's a clear mind-body connection," says Lee. It's crucial to learn to manage your emotions, whether through regular exercise, meditation, or speaking to a therapist.

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Medications Certain drugs used to treat other conditions can make your psoriasis worse. Beta-blockers that lower blood pressure (here are 13 foods that help lower it naturally), lithium for psychiatric disorders, and antimalarial medicines are all notorious for causing flares. And it's not just prescription meds that are to blame: OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen (Aleve), can also inflame your skin. That's why it's so important to consult with your provider before trying any new treatment, even if it's something that's available over the counter or is "natural" or "herbal." Lee also cautions that you should never stop taking a prescribed drug without first talking to your doctor.

Infections Since an overactive immune system is a major player in psoriasis, any bug that activates your body's natural defenses can make your skin condition worsen. Sinus, upper respiratory, and streptococcal infections (such as strep throat) can all cause an outbreak of what's called guttate psoriasis—red or pink spots that show up on your chest, limbs, scalp, ears, and even face. Whenever you feel ill, reach out to your doctor ASAP; starting treatment (such as an antibiotic) promptly may help you avoid a flare or at least get through it faster. (Learn about cutting-edge ways to prevent and repair skin damage in The New Natural.)

Alcohol So much for happy hour. Plenty of research has found a link between drinking alcohol and psoriasis. Although the connection seems to be stronger for men than for women, one study found that women who have more than two drinks per week—particularly beer—were at greater risk of developing the skin condition in the first place. Frequent imbibing can also interfere with your treatment, so Lee suggests shunning alcohol as much as possible. (Here are 6 sneaky signs you're drinking too much.) And while you're at it, you might as well quit smoking (like you need another reason!). Nicotine could cause changes to your immune system that cause skin cells to pile up too quickly.

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Cold, dry air

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Ever notice there's a seasonal cycle to your flares? It's not all in your head. Cold weather and low humidity have both been proven to damage skin cells. "Dry, cracked skin can make psoriasis worse," says Lee. Try to shore up your skin's natural barrier by moisturizing frequently, she suggests. "Apply lotion within 3 minutes of getting out of the shower to seal in the water that's on your skin."

Skin injuries A sunburn. An accidental bump or bruise. Even a bug bite can cause your psoriasis to worsen. Any minor trauma can lead to new lesions in the same area, an occurrence known as the Koebner phenomenon. There's also some evidence that vaccinations (particularly flu vaccines) can trigger a flare-up, although more research needs to be done. That doesn't mean you should shun vaccines; just be sure to work with your dermatologist to figure out when it's safest for you to get them.

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